Disscetum Japanese Maple

We would love to make a red laceleaf Japanese maple the specimen focal point of the landscaped pathway to our front door. The probem is that our house faces west, which means the maple would be subjected to full afternoon sun from early afternoon until late afternoon/early evening. The tree would be about 8' from the house, so it would also get all of that reflected heat off of the house wall. All the people I have contacted who sell the maples say "no problem" --- but I am skeptical. Has anybody had any success with Japanese maples in this type of placement? We will want the tree to thrive - not just survive.